Dear Dad What to say this new year? A year you will just be in my heart and not in your chair when I arrive at your house. You were not much for these celebrations but you were always there with open arms to welcome us any day of the year. I miss you. I miss telling you the ordinary things of life, asking your advice or commenting on things going on in the world and news with you. Mostly when I miss you now, you still make me smile and laugh. There are some days when life still seems painful and raw without you. I know that whatever life throws at me- you did your best to prepare me for it - & you would be cheering me on from your chair… in your own particular style. I love you and miss you. Tiny X

A year seems forever and no time at all. Clocks go back- & forward again It’s hot at the moment- you would love this. You would be in the garden. String vest & cricket, a cup of tea or occasionally a lager shandy! My garden has gone from hibernation to over grown mostly with weeds! We know it will be cold again all too soon. We have continued to celebrate, the regular and significant things of life. Always remembering you and knowing you would want us to keep going on. We would have given you the highlights even if you weren’t there. I’m grateful that you were so interested and involved in our lives. I think of conversations we have had - and I want more. I miss knowing I could talk with you and that you would have an opinion! You would have heard what was happening on the news. We would have a different view on many things by still we would discuss it. As I go into the next year, I’m glad that I have so many good memories & things that will always turn my heart to you. Some that make me cry but mostly these things makes me smile. Thank you for a lifetime of love and care. I love you still. Tiny X

My dear Dad, So we’ve made it through a whole year without you. In some ways it seems like just yesterday that I had one of your bone crushing hugs but it also seems a lifetime ago. You are still such a part of our lives. At any family gathering we remember things you used to say or do, your funny sayings are regularly quoted! You were very much in our thoughts today, I know you would be so proud of Mum and pleased that we have all supported and cared for each other, just as you wanted. All my love, today and always Your firstborn xxx